Frequently Asked Questions

As with all charitable giving, we ask urge you to give knowledgeably. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Operation 2000 Cherry Trees.

Q: Your website mentions that this is an opportunity for Japanese and Japanese-Americans to give back. Will you also accept my donation if I’m not Japanese or Japanese-America?A: The ultimate goal of this project is to promote and nurture the spirit of tomodachi (friends) between the people of the two nations, so yes, we gratefully accept your donation. However, because we want the trees to be a gift from the Japanese people, we would allocate donations from non-Japanese persons differently. While all donations from Japanese people would go toward purchasing trees, all donations from non-Japanese people will go toward locally maintaining the planting areas and the green areas around the trees.

Q: My company may be interested in sponsoring this endeavor. Do you offer corporate sponsorships besides the individual donations to the tree fundA: Yes, corporate sponsorship is welcome. Please click here to send us a message if your company or organization is interested.

Q: What is the timeline for planting the trees? When will I be able to see my treeA: It is our plan to actually plant the Cherry Trees in early November 2012. However it may take a few years to complete this project

Q: What if you don’t collect enough funds for 2000 trees? Will my money still be allocated for a treeA: We will plant as many Cherry Trees as the collected money can buy. Also it may take longer to accomplish this project than we originally hoped. In such a case we continue this project open until the original goal of 2000 trees are planted.

Q: What is the suggested donationA: We budget $300 for each tree. It would be great if you could donate $300 or one tree. However, we accept any amount you are generous to contribute.

Q: When I donate $300 to buy a tree, how will my donation money be allocatedA: $150 to purchase a tree, $50 for planting, $50 for maintenance and $50 for the Memorial Monument.

Q: How can I be assured that the donation I make to the Dayton Foundation will be used for Operation 2000 Cherry TreesA: The Dayton Foundation will establish a special fund specifically for this project. The fund will be disbursed only to qualified not-for-profit organizations or municipalities who actually receive the funds for the purpose of planting Cherry Trees.

Q: Will my donation be tax-deductible? Will I be able to receive a receipt for my taxesA: Yes, your donations will be TAX deductible.

Q: Why is the planting only in Dayton, OhioA: Good question. It can be any city. But this project has specific goal of expressing gratitude of Japanese people to the US military. Dayton is the home of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Most of the rescue supplies originated from this air base.

Q: Will there be other places in the Dayton area that will plant the trees besides those listed on the websiteA: There are many locations that would be ideal for this project. However, there are many restrictions and this may not be possible. We will work with various municipal governments and park district officials to make sure planting Cherry Trees are acceptable and easily identifiable from the donors who wish to visit Dayton to see the Trees they donated. We will continue to update our website to show where the Cherry Trees are planted.

Q: Who can I contact if my community would like to plant some of the treesA: Thank you for your interest! Please send us a message here

Q: Can cherry trees really grow in Ohio? Does the climate support themA: They have been planted in the area and are expected to be thrive. However, just like any trees, proper maintenance is required especially during the summer heat and drought. Part of your donation will be allocated to that maintenance.